Fraser Valley

Mortgage Professionals

Luisa & Candice Mortgages

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Luisa Hough

Luisa’s career as a committed mortgage professional spans over 17 years during which time she has helped thousands of Canadians achieve homeownership. Having established a sound reputation for excellence and outstanding service, her astute and genuine approach has allowed her to build and cultivate a trusted clientele and quality referral network.

During Luisa’s tenure and as co-founder of one of the most highly respected mortgage companies in Canada and the industry, Verico Xeva Mortgage, she has been instrumental in its continued growth and success through her drive and passion, as well as her solid work ethic and commitment to transparency. This has earned her multiple accolades over the years including Broker of The Year 2016 & 2021, Finalist-Broker of the Year 2013-2021 respectively, Top 75 Broker Nationally for 10 years consecutively, and CMP Magazine’s 2020 & 2021 Hot List. Lastly and most distinctly, by virtue of Luisa’s strong, inspiring leadership, supportive nature, and warm professional manner, she received the Women of Influence distinction in both 2018 & 2020 becoming a trailblazer for many women seeking to emulate the same achievements. As such, Luisa has been invited to share her best practices and collaborate at many different industry events continuously raising the bar and elevating the industry to higher standards. Luisa has helped shape Xeva Mortgage to include a solid infrastructure and unique underwriting center attributing to this consistent success and overall growth.

It’s through Luisa’s resolute process of educating clients and having a great eye for detail, where she can focus on building her client’s financial journey and providing a professional service throughout the life of the mortgage, ultimately assisting Canadians in achieving their full financial goals.

There have been countless changes industry-wide over recent years, notwithstanding, Luisa has been able to achieve a strong and healthy balance between work and family life. Ongoing investment in herself and her personal development is what she attributes to her success both personally and professionally. This has also allowed her to tap into her philanthropic side as she has an incredible passion for charitable endeavors and strongly desires to give back to many initiatives in need. Being a regular donor to the BC Children’s Hospital and her own Pay it Forward campaign, Luisa is also an active member of Habitat for Humanity, 100 Brokers Who Care, and Women of Options. Her shared compassion with 50 other top influential women in Surrey, BC supports the Women of Options Organization in securing affordable housing for women of varying age groups and demographics who may otherwise find themselves homeless. As Luisa continues to grow both professionally and personally, so too does her desire to continue helping those around her who are in need.

Luisa continually inspires others, has an innovative and open spirit for everyone to learn and share, allowing her to continue making connections with her fellow colleagues and industry leaders for years to come.

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Candice Liberatore

Whether you’re in the market for a new home, considering refinancing, or renewing your mortgage, I'm here to help you find the perfect mortgage product tailored to your needs. As a Mortgage Broker at Xeva, I specialize in offering the most innovative home financing solutions available today.

With over 23 years of experience at a major Canadian bank, I have assisted clients like yourself with a wide range of financial needs, including lending, financial planning, advisory services, and commercial banking. Over the past decade, my focus has been on providing expert mortgage advice, recognized for its ethical integrity and exceptional customer service.

My ultimate goal is to ensure your mortgage experience is positive and seamless, inspiring you to confidently refer me to your family, friends, and colleagues. Take advantage of a no-obligation review of your situation—because the right mortgage can significantly impact your wealth and savings. I eagerly anticipate providing you with honest insights and guidance to achieve your homeownership and financial security goals.

On a personal note, I cherish spending time with my husband, four children, and our beloved COVID dog named "Dr" Henry. I'm an avid sports enthusiast, enjoy cooking, and appreciate a good glass of wine. Feel free to reach out anytime—it would be my pleasure to assist you!

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Are you looking to buy a new home, refinance or renew an existing mortgage?

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Home Purchase

If you are looking to purchase a property in Vancouver or surrounding areas, understanding all the mortgage options available to you can seem overwhelming. The market is hot and having a clear plan is a must. That’s where we come in. We do this every day, and we love it. We will help you make sense of all the numbers and provide you with options that make sense to you so you can shop with confidence. Contact us anytime!

Renewal or Refinance

Whether your mortgage is up for renewal within 120 days and you are looking to get the best available mortgage product for your next term, or you are mid-term looking to access some of the equity in your property to start a new business, we should talk! If you already own a home and want to make sure you have the best mortgage in place, please contact us anytime! Regardless of your situation, we have the knowledge, experience, and desire to make sure you are completely taken care of.

Repeat or New Clients

If you are an existing client of ours, we are excited to continue working with you to make sure you have the best mortgage product available to you at any time. Please drop a note in the contact box at the bottom of this page, even if it’s just to say hello! However, if you have never used our services, we are currently taking on new clients and would love to offer you the same level of service all our existing clients receive. To see what others have said about us, consider checking out the testimonials section below!

55+ and looking for solutions to enhance your lifestyle?

I offer multiple options including Reverse Mortgages, HELOC, standard and private financing to find the right retirement mortgage option for you.

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Fixed vs. Variable Mortgage Rates in Canada

By Luisa & Candice Mortgages • September 10, 2025

Fixed vs. Variable Rate Mortgages: Which One Fits Your Life? Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing your current mortgage, or approaching renewal, one big decision stands in your way: fixed or variable rate? It’s a question many homeowners wrestle with—and the right answer depends on your goals, lifestyle, and risk tolerance. Let’s break down the key differences so you can move forward with confidence. Fixed Rate: Stability & Predictability A fixed-rate mortgage offers one major advantage: peace of mind . Your interest rate stays the same for the entire term—usually five years—regardless of what happens in the broader economy. Pros: Your monthly payment never changes during the term. Ideal if you value budgeting certainty. Shields you from rate increases. Cons: Fixed rates are usually higher than variable rates at the outset. Penalties for breaking your mortgage early can be steep , thanks to something called the Interest Rate Differential (IRD) —a complex and often costly formula used by lenders. In fact, IRD penalties have been known to reach up to 4.5% of your mortgage balance in some cases. That’s a lot to pay if you need to move, refinance, or restructure your mortgage before the end of your term. Variable Rate: Flexibility & Potential Savings With a variable-rate mortgage , your interest rate moves with the market—specifically, it adjusts based on changes to the lender’s prime rate. For example, if your mortgage is set at Prime minus 0.50% and prime is 6.00% , your rate would be 5.50% . If prime increases or decreases, your mortgage rate will change too. Pros: Typically starts out lower than a fixed rate. Penalties are simpler and smaller —usually just three months’ interest (often 2–2.5 mortgage payments). Historically, many Canadians have paid less overall interest with a variable mortgage. Cons: Your payment could increase if rates rise. Not ideal if rate fluctuations keep you up at night. The Penalty Factor: Why It Matters More Than You Think One of the biggest surprises for homeowners is the cost of breaking a mortgage early —something nearly 6 out of 10 Canadians do before their term ends. Fixed Rate = Unpredictable, potentially high penalty (IRD) Variable Rate = Predictable, usually lower penalty (3 months’ interest) Even if you don’t plan to break your mortgage, life happens—career changes, family needs, or new opportunities could shift your path. So, Which One is Best? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A fixed rate might be perfect for someone who wants stable budgeting and plans to stay put for years. A variable rate might work better for someone who’s financially flexible and open to market changes—or who may need to exit their mortgage early. Ultimately, the best mortgage is the one that fits your goals and your reality —not just what the bank recommends. Let's Find the Right Fit Choosing between fixed and variable isn’t just about numbers—it’s about understanding your needs, your future plans, and how much financial flexibility you want. Let’s sit down and walk through your options together. I’ll help you make an informed, confident choice—no guesswork required.

Your Guide To The A First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

By Luisa & Candice Mortgages • September 3, 2025

Dreaming of owning your first home? A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) could be your key to turning that dream into a reality. Let's dive into what an FHSA is, how it works, and why it's a smart investment for first-time homebuyers. What is an FHSA? An FHSA is a registered plan designed to help you save for your first home taxfree. If you're at least 18 years old, have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), and have not owned a home where you lived for the past four calendar years, you may be eligible to open an FHSA. Reasons to Invest in an FHSA: Save up to $40,000 for your first home. Contribute tax-free for up to 15 years. Carry over unused contribution room to the next year, up to a maximum of $8,000. Potentially reduce your tax bill and carry forward undeducted contributions indefinitely. Pay no taxes on investment earnings. Complements the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP). How Does an FHSA Work? Open Your FHSA: Start investing tax-free by opening your FHSA. Contribute Often: Make tax-deductible contributions of up to $8,000 annually to help your money grow faster. Withdraw for Your Home: Make a tax-free withdrawal at any time to purchase your first home. Benefits of an FHSA: Tax-Deductible Contributions: Contribute up to $8,000 annually, reducing your taxable income. Tax-Free Earnings: Enjoy tax-free growth on your investments within the FHSA. No Taxes on Withdrawals: Pay $0 in taxes on withdrawals used to buy a qualifying home. Numbers to Know: $8,000: Annual tax-deductible FHSA contribution limit. $40,000: Lifetime FHSA contribution limit. $0: Taxes on FHSA earnings when used for a qualifying home purchase. In Conclusion A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a powerful tool for first-time homebuyers, offering tax benefits and a structured approach to saving for homeownership. By taking advantage of an FHSA, you can accelerate your journey towards owning your first home and make your dream a reality sooner than you think.

From Summer Shine to Fall Fine: Smart Home Projects to Tackle Before the First Frost

By Luisa & Candice Mortgages • August 28, 2025

As patios wind down and pumpkin spice ramps up, fall is the perfect reset for your home—and your homeowner game plan. These quick wins boost comfort, curb appeal, and efficiency now, and set you up for a low-stress winter (and a strong spring market). 1) Safety & “silent leak” checks (Weekend-ready) Clean gutters & downspouts. Add leaf guards where trees overhang. Roof scan. Look for lifted shingles, cracked flashings, or moss. Seal the shell. Re-caulk window/door trim; replace weatherstripping. Test alarms. New batteries for smoke/CO detectors; add one near bedrooms. Why it matters: Prevent water intrusion and heat loss before storms roll in. 2) Heat smarter, not harder Furnace/boiler tune-up and filter change. Smart thermostat with schedules and geofencing. Draft hunt. Foam gaskets behind outlets, door sweeps on exterior doors. ROI tip: Efficiency upgrades lower monthly bills and can improve lender ratios if you’re eyeing a refinance later. 3) Fall-proof your yard (so spring you says “thanks”) Aerate + overseed + fall fertilize for thicker turf next year. Trim trees/shrubs away from siding and power lines. Mulch perennials and plant spring bulbs now. Shut off/bleed exterior taps and store hoses to avoid burst pipes. 4) Extend outdoor season (cozy edition) Portable fire pit or propane heater + layered blankets. Path/step lighting for darker evenings (solar or low-voltage). Weather-resistant storage for cushions/tools to preserve value. Neighborhood curb appeal: Warm lighting and tidy beds make a big first impression if you list in shoulder season. 5) Water management = winter peace of mind Re-grade low spots and add downspout extensions (2–3+ metres). Check sump pump (and backup). Look for efflorescence or damp corners in the basement. 6) Mini-renos that punch above their weight Entry/mudroom upgrade: hooks, bench, boot trays, closed storage. Laundry room tune-up: counter over machines, sorting bins, task lighting. Kitchen refresh: new hardware, tap, and under-cabinet lighting in one afternoon. Budget guide: Many of these land under a micro-reno budget—perfect for a modest line of credit. 7) Indoor air quality tune-up Deep clean vents and dryers (including the rigid duct). Add door mats (exterior + interior) to catch grit/salt. Houseplants or HEPA purifier for closed-window months. Fast Timeline (pin this to the fridge) Late August–September Gutters/downspouts, roof/caulking, HVAC service, lawn care, plant bulbs, exterior tap shut-off plan, path lighting. October Weatherstripping/sweeps, fire pit setup, organize mudroom/garage, test alarms, sump check, downspout extensions, dryer vent cleaning. Financing smarter: make your mortgage work for your home Annual mortgage check-in. As rates, income, and goals evolve, a quick review can free up cash flow or open options for a small fall project budget. HELOC vs. top-up refinance. For bite-size projects, a HELOC can be flexible. For bigger renos you plan to pay down, a top-up refi might make more sense. Bundle & prioritize. Knock out the high-impact, low-cost items first (air sealing, safety, water management) before the cosmetic upgrades. Not sure which route fits your fall plans? We’ll run the numbers and map the best financing path for your specific budget and goals. Quick Checklist (copy/paste) ☐ Clean gutters/downspouts; add guards ☐ Roof & flashing visual check ☐ Re-caulk, weatherstrip, add door sweeps ☐ HVAC service + new filter ☐ Aerate/overseed/fertilize; trim trees; plant bulbs ☐ Path & entry lighting ☐ Drain/bleed outdoor taps; store hoses ☐ Downspout extensions; sump test ☐ Dryer vent cleaning ☐ Mudroom/garage organization ☐ Schedule mortgage review / discuss HELOC vs refi Ready to make fall your low-stress season? Book a quick fall mortgage check-up—15 minutes to see if a small credit line or a tweak to your current mortgage could cover your priority projects without straining cash flow.

Videos

If you are new to the mortgage process, here are a couple of videos to help you get started.

Awards

Recent Awards

2021 Canadian Mortgage Awards Winner- Mortgage Broker of the Year
2020 Canadian Mortgage Awards Finalist - Mortgage Broker of the Year
2019 Canadian Mortgage Awards Finalist - Mortgage Broker of the Year
2016 Canadian Mortgage Awards Finalist - Mortgage Broker of the Year
2015 Canadian Mortgage Awards Winner Xeva – Best Newcomer Brokerage
2014 Best of Now Magazine – Readers Choice Best Mortgage Broker Winner
2013 Vancouver 5 Star Mortgage Professional
2013 First National Financial LP Outstanding Achievement Award
2013 Vancouver Magazine – Top Mortgage Professionals
2012 CMP Awards – Syndicate Mortgages Mortgage Broker of the Year Fewer than 25 Employees
2011 CMP Awards – “Broker of the Year” Finalist
2010 CMP Magazine Top 50 Brokers in Canada by volume. Rank 30th